St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish News
May 14, 2020
“Blessed Mother, keep us under the protection of your mantle
and close to your Son Jesus!”
Dear St. Mary Star of the Sea Parishioners-
As I was having my morning coffee in my car looking at Lake Superior on my day off two Mondays ago I was screening my calls. One call said it was from Delaware and I dismissed it as a nuisance call. Another call identified its location as Washington D.C. and I dismissed it as well. Then the same number called again and my stomach knotted up as it dawned on me who it might be. I dialed the number and the person who answered had a French accent and I just knew. He identified himself as Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Papal Nuncio to the United States and after asking if I was alone he told me he had good news. The Holy Father wanted to appoint me Bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota. He asked me if I accepted and I found myself saying “yes”. It will be a moment I will never forget and I’m glad I didn’t spill my coffee all over my lap.
With COVID-19 it is uncertain when I will move to Rapid City and be ordained. Time and the virus will tell. I will miss the Diocese of Duluth and all of you. The Cathedral and St. Mary Star of the Sea have truly been my home these past 11 years. Please pray that I will be a good bishop, faithful to God and a faithful servant to my flock. I will keep all of you in my daily prayers.
Fr. Peter Muhich
CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP-ELECT PETER!
Pope Francis has named Fr. Peter to be the next bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City in South Dakota. Please read the announcements from the Diocese of Duluth and the United States Council of Catholic Bishops.
Fr. Peter- May God's abundant blessings be with you! You will be truly and dearly missed by the Cathedral and St. Mary Star of the Sea parish communities. The Diocese of Rapid City is blessed to have you as their pastoral leader- a man of compassionate heart and great holiness. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers!
INTERVIEW WITH FR. PETER'S PARENTS:Take a few minutes to watch this wonderful video of Fr. Peter's parents, Louis and Sally Muhich, being interviewed by Fr. Michael Garry of Eveleth-Gilbert.
PUBLIC MASSES AND SACRAMENTS:
We continue to wait for direction from the Diocese of Duluth and the state of Minnesota regarding the ability to hold public Masses. The Governor kept in place the prohibition of any gatherings over ten people which includes Masses. We will communicate detailed plans and information to you as soon as we are able.
With the uncertainty of when Masses can resume , it is unknown when First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA will occur. For those involved in sacramental programs, please watch for a survey so that we can work to find appropriate dates to hold these celebrations.
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during these uncertain times and look forward to being able to worship together again soon.
With the uncertainty of when Masses can resume , it is unknown when First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA will occur. For those involved in sacramental programs, please watch for a survey so that we can work to find appropriate dates to hold these celebrations.
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during these uncertain times and look forward to being able to worship together again soon.
STELLA MARIS ACADEMY NEWS:
New date! Join us for a Mini-Pilgrimage and Marian Prayer Experience on Tuesday, May 19th.
Please visit one of our drive-by Marian shrines in the Holy Rosary School parking lot or the St. James parking lot between 4:30 - 6 PM on May 19! You will have an opportunity to bring a flower to our Marian shrine, pray, and receive a blessing from one of our priests. Please see the attachment for more details!
Please visit one of our drive-by Marian shrines in the Holy Rosary School parking lot or the St. James parking lot between 4:30 - 6 PM on May 19! You will have an opportunity to bring a flower to our Marian shrine, pray, and receive a blessing from one of our priests. Please see the attachment for more details!
Play soccer with Stella Maris Academy: It's that time of the year to start thinking about fall soccer. Registration is now open for ages 4 1/2 - 13 years— everyone is welcome! It is not required to be an SMA student to play with us. Our teams play in the Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) fall league in August and September. We are also in need of coaches, so please consider volunteering your time. To register please navigate to https://stellamarissoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/105789434
WEEKLY BULLETIN: The Sunday bulletin for May 17 includes the weekly stewardship report and Mass intentions for the week ahead.
A limited number of paper copies are printed and placed at church entrances. If you know of someone who does not have internet access, please let them know that the bulletin will be available at church entrances. If they prefer to have the bulletin mailed to them, please ask them to call our office.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS:
We are waiting to schedule first Communion and RCIA until we have a solid start date for public Masses. Confirmation will not be able to take place on May 31. Sacramental families, please check your email for a survey so that we can begin to plan to find appropriate dates to hold these celebrations.
David and Fr. Paul are eager and ready to be with you, your sponsor, and your family members in this exciting time! Please see their message to our confirmation students!
David and Fr. Paul are eager and ready to be with you, your sponsor, and your family members in this exciting time! Please see their message to our confirmation students!
STEWARDSHIP, OFFERTORY COLLECTION, & FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
Over the past two months, our number of online donors at St. Mary Star of the Sea more than doubled! Thank you to those who have signed up for this service and thank you to those who continue to send in envelopes through the mail. We are incredibly grateful for your continued generosity. Your financial gifts enable us to continue our necessary building and business operations along with implementing new measures and initiatives to maintain our vibrant community.
- Online contributions: Go to www.duluthcathedral.com and click on the Giving tab. Then St. Mary Star of the Sea Fund. The online giving platform is shared between the Cathedral and St. Mary Star of the Sea to save on costs. Please contact Lauren McCracken, Business Manager at 218-728-3646 or lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org if you need assistance.
- Mailed/in person contributions: Mail or drop off at 325 E. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55805
UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL
During these challenging times “You are the Light of the World.” The work of Christ and the mission of the Church continue within our parish and diocese. You make this happen. Please prayerfully consider a gift to the United Catholic Appeal this year.
There are various giving options for you to choose from depending on how you prefer to contribute. You are able to mail your gift in the envelope enclosed in the recent mailing or give throughout the year by using your yellow UCA envelopes. If you would like to donate to UCA online, please contact Lauren McCracken at 218.728.3646 or lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org to set this up. You change lives, including your own through your prayer and sacrificial generosity. Thank you for the gift you are to this parish community!
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
St. Vincent de Paul Society meetings are being held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM on ZOOM. New members are always welcome! For more information, contact Deacon Jim Philbin at dcn.jim.philbin@duluthcatholic.org.